His devastated parents, Jenny and George, and older sister Rachel are now preparing for his funeral.

And friends from Kirkcaldy High School have organised a sponsored walk on April the 20th to raise funds for research into the killer brain bug in his memory.

Last night, heartbroken Rachel paid a glowing tribute to Gregor, saying her “wee soldier” would always be in her heart. She added: “So sad losing someone, especially a brother who was my best friend.”

Rachel’s Facebook tribute continued: “He was there with me through everything and it was us against the world. Such an amazing boy whose smile could light up a whole room. Why do bad things happen to the best people?

“Rest in peace, my little angel. You will always be in my heart, no matter what, you wee soldier. I love you forever and ever and ever x.”

Gregor, a former pupil of Capshard Primary School, was a junior squad member of the Kirkcaldy Fins competitive swimming club.

Senior coach Graham Irvine said he was struggling to take the tragedy in. He said: “Gregor had been at the club as long as I can remember. He will be missed greatly by his peers within the squad.”

Kirkcaldy High rector Derek Allan said pupils and staff were shocked and saddened by Gregor’s sudden death.

He said: “Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends during this very difficult time.

“Gregor was a popular pupil, well known and liked by staff and pupils. He will be a huge loss to us all.”

He confirmed the school is liaising with Fife’s public health team, although the chances of other pupils contracting meningitis are said to be very low.

However, pupils have been given leaflets to take home to alert parents and carers of the warning signs.

Meningitis: the facts

Meningitis can kill in just four hours.

Symptoms include a headache, stiff neck, a dislike of bright light, leg pain, cold hands and feet and a rash.

Around 3400 people contract bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the UK every year. One in 10 dies and one in four is left with permanent disabilities such as limb loss, blindness, deafness and brain damage.

Babies, children under five, young people aged 14 to 24 and the elderly are most at risk.

Vaccines have been developed but not yet against all forms.

The long-awaited vaccine to protect against meningitis B was last month approved by EU regulators. It is hoped that the Government will fund a national vaccination programme for babies.